Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier and equally delicious alternative to classic fries. These fries are baked to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior.
Combining sweet potatoes and a blend of spices creates a flavorful and satisfying snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s discover the recipe and how to make these delicious sweet potato fries!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Delicious: The combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior makes these sweet potato fries irresistible.
- Healthier Option: Baking the fries instead of deep-frying makes them a healthier snack option.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile: You can customize the seasoning to suit your preferences, making it a versatile snack that’s sure to please.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the star of this recipe, providing a naturally sweet and flavorful base. You can use any variety of sweet potatoes, but orange-fleshed sweet potatoes work best due to their vibrant color and sweet flavor.
Olive Oil
Olive oil adds richness and helps to coat the sweet potatoes with the seasoning mixture. You can substitute it with avocado oil or any other high-heat cooking oil.
Spices
The blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper creates a rich and flavorful seasoning for the sweet potato fries. You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences or use a pre-made seasoning blend for convenience.
Cornstarch (Optional)
Cornstarch adds an extra layer of crispiness to the fries. You can omit it if you prefer, but it helps to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior.
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot. This step ensures that the oven is hot and ready for baking the sweet potato fries.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and cut them into ¼ inch thick fries. Try to make them as uniform as possible to ensure they cook evenly. This step ensures that the sweet potatoes are ready to be soaked and seasoned.
Step 3: Soak the Fries
Place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which is key to getting crispy fries. This step helps to achieve a crispy texture.
Step 4: Season the Fries
After soaking, drain and pat the fries dry with a paper towel to remove moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. If you’re using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it in now and toss everything together. This step creates a rich and flavorful base for the sweet potato fries.
Step 5: Bake the Fries
Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. This step ensures that the fries are fully cooked and achieve a perfect crispy texture.
Step 6: Check for Crispiness
Once the fries are crisp and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This step adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making the fries even more enjoyable.
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled (optional) and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika is optional for extra flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra crispiness
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and cut them into ¼ inch thick fries. Try to make them as uniform as possible to ensure they cook evenly.
- Soak the Fries: Place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which is key to getting crispy fries.
- Season the Fries: After soaking, drain and pat the fries dry with a paper towel to remove moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. If you’re using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it in now and toss everything together.
- Bake the Fries: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Check for Crispiness: Once the fries are crisp and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the sweet potatoes are cut into uniform fries for even cooking.
- You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Expert Tips for Success
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure the sweet potatoes are cut into uniform fries for even cooking. This helps to achieve a consistent texture throughout the fries.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the seasoning mixture and adjust the amounts to suit your preferences. You can add more or less of any spice to achieve your desired flavor.
- Even Layering: Arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Flip the Fries: Flip the fries halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Variations and Customizations
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredient labels to be sure.
- Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure all ingredients used are certified vegan.
- Low-Carb: For a lower-carb version, use other low-carb vegetables like turnips or rutabaga instead of sweet potatoes.
Flavor Twists
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a spicy twist.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the seasoning mixture for an herbal note.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated cheese like Parmesan or cheddar over the sweet potato fries before serving for an extra cheesy flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the fries are completely cooled before storing them to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing
You can freeze the fries for up to 2 months. Transfer the cooled fries to a freezer-safe container and freeze until solid. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the fries in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also use the microwave, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Add a splash of oil to help retain crispiness during reheating.
Serving Suggestions
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries pair beautifully with:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, or sour cream for added flavor.
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Pair with burgers, sandwiches, or other hearty dishes for a satisfying meal.
- Salads: Serve alongside a fresh salad for a balanced and nutritious meal.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries, you might also like:
- Classic French Fries: Crispy and delicious homemade French fries, perfect for any occasion.
- Loaded Nacho Fries: Crispy fries loaded with cheese, bacon, and your favorite toppings.
- Baked Potato Wedges: Crispy and flavorful potato wedges baked to perfection.
Conclusion
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier and equally delicious alternative to classic fries. With their crispy exterior, soft interior, and rich seasoning, they’re a snack that’s sure to impress.
Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a game-day snack, these sweet potato fries are a winner. Don’t forget to try out the variations and customizations to make them your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries!